Sports target device

ABSTRACT

A sports target device having a base and a frame member projecting upwardly from the base when the device is in the use position. A panel is attached to the frame in a manner that produces a loud noise when struck by a projectile. The panel may include targeting indicia. The noise that is produce can be loud and of prolonged duration. Such a noise would be appreciated by some athletes, particularly young ones, who will thereby be encouraged to keep practicing.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates in general to sports target devices.

Various devices have been designed to help train athletes to throw balls accurately and consistently. These devices include frames which support a target. When training, the athlete throws the ball at the target. In some of these devices, a noise is produced when the target is hit. This allows the athlete to know whether the target was hit effectively depending on whether or not they hear the noise.

In virtually all such devices, the target is attached to the frame with a loose connection such as rope or netting. Thus, when the target is hit, the noise created is dampened, producing a brief and quiet sound. Some athletes, particularly young ones, enjoy loud noises, and would be encouraged to keep practicing with the device after hearing the long and loud noise. Thus, it would be desirable to provide a connection between the target and frame that would enable the target to produce a much louder and longer noise than a target attached with a net.

SUMMARY

A sports target is disclosed that includes a base and a frame member that is connected to the base and projecting upward therefrom when the sports target device is in a use position. The sports target device also includes a panel member removably connected to the frame and a slide mechanism connected to the frame and configured to receive the panel member.

The frame member can include a first side member, a second side member in spaced relation to the first side member and at least one cross member positioned between the first and second side members.

The sports target also includes a slide mechanism that is connected to the frame member. The slide mechanism includes a first rail attached to a portion of the first side member and a second rail attached to a corresponding portion of the second side member.

The sports target device also includes a panel member releasably connected to the slide mechanism. The panel member has planar contact face and rear surface opposed to the planar contact face. The panel member is configured to facilitate rebound of a sports projectile propelled toward it when the panel member is engaged in the slide mechanism and the sports device is in the use position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features, advantages and other uses of the present apparatus will become more apparent by referring to the following detailed description and drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is perspective view of an embodiment of the sports targeting device as disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of FIG. 1 with panel member removed;

FIG. 3 is a detail perspective view of the base member of FIG. 1 with frame member and panel member removed;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the first and second rail members of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a basket attachment for use with the sports target device as disclosed herein; and

FIG. 6 is a depiction of an embodiment of a sports target device kit as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to a sports target device that can be employed to encourage practice and assist individual athletes in developing athletic skills such as pitching speed, power and/or accuracy. The device as disclosed herein can be advantageously employed for pitching and throwing practice employing handheld projectiles. Non-limiting examples of such projectiles can include softballs, baseballs, and the like. It is considered within the purview of this disclosure that certain other projectiles may be employed if desired or required. Non-limiting examples of such projectiles can include tennis balls, lacrosse balls and the like, either handheld or launched by a racket, bat or the like. of A non-limiting embodiment of the sports targeting device is depicted in the various drawing figures.

As broadly disclosed, the sports target device includes a base and a frame member that projects upward from the base at a suitable angle when the sports target device is in the use position. the frame member is configured to releasably receive a panel member that can be configured with targeting indica as desired or required.

In the embodiment as disclosed herein the frame member that projects upward from the base can be configured to project upward from the base at a suitable angle. In certain embodiments, the angle between base and frame member can be one that permits the effective rebound of a projectile throw or pitched at it by an individual. In certain embodiments, the angle between the base and frame member can be an angle having a value between 90°±15 degrees. In certain embodiments, the angle can be 90°.

The sports target device as disclosed herein also includes a panel member that is releasably connected to the frame member by suitable connection means. When the sports target device is in the use position, the panel member provides a rebound surface for projectiles thrown at it from the individual user. In certain embodiments, the panel member can be configured to facilitate sound generation. In certain embodiments, the panel member can be configured to facilitate desired projectile rebound. In certain embodiments, the panel member can be configured to facilitate both. Suitable projectile rebound and sound generation will be discussed in greater detail subsequently.

Turning now to FIGS. 1 and 2 , an embodiment of the sports target device 10 is depicted. The sports target device 10 as depicted includes a base 12, a frame member 24 connected to the base 12 and projecting angularly upward therefrom and a panel member 27 releasably connected to the frame member 24.

The base 12 is configured to rest on a suitable support surface such as ground as well as gym floors and the like, if desired or required. The base 12 can be configured to maintain at least one frame member 24 and associated panel 12 member in an angularly upright orientation during use. In the embodiment as depicted in the FIG. 1 , the frame 24 projects upward from the base 12 at a right angle. Other angles can be employed if desired or required.

The base 12 can have a size and/or configuration to maintain the sports target device 10 in the use position. In the embodiment as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the base 12 defines a generally rectilinear periphery. The base 12 can have a forward or leading edge region 14 and a trailing edge 16 opposed to the leading edge region 14 with the frame member 24 connected to the base 12 at a location proximate to the leading edge region 14. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the frame member can be removably connected to the base 12.

The base 12 can be composed of suitable material and configured as desired or required. Non-limiting examples of suitable material include metal, wood, or plastic. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the base 12 is composed of a plurality of interconnected tubular members that define generally define the rectilinear periphery of the base 12. The tubular members can be composed of any suitable material. One non-limiting example of suitable tubular material is polymeric tubing such as PVC pipe.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 , tubing material such as PVC pipe is used to form the trailing edge 16 as well as opposed side edges 17, 17 of base 12. Where desired or required, the tubular material can be bent to define the outer periphery. Alternately, appropriately sized individual lengths can be connected by suitable elbows located at the respective junctions of the trailing edge region 16 and the respective side regions 17, 17.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the base 12 defines an open region located at the leading edge region 14. The base 12 can have a suitable connection junction or junctions which can receive mating portions defined on the frame 24. In the embodiment as illustrated, lower regions of the frame member 24 can be releasably received in upwardly oriented elbows 19,19 defined on tubes in the respective side regions 17, 17.

The base 12 can also include or accommodate one or more anchor devices that can connect with the support surface or corresponding anchor devices defined in the support surface to assist in maintaining the sports target device 10 in the use position. where desired or required, one or more of the tubing members can be configured with one or more slots 20 configured to receive a respective anchor pin 18 which passes through the associated slot 20 to extend into the ground underneath the base 12. In the embodiment illustrated the slots 20 and anchor pins 18 are located in tubes defining the side edges 17, 17.

As depicted in FIG. 3 , the base 12 may be comprised of a first leg member 42, a second leg member 44, and a cross bar member 46 connected to the first leg member 42 and the second leg member 44. The first leg member 42 and second leg member 44 contact a support surface when in the use position. Example support surfaces can include, but are not limited to, the ground, a table, and a floor. The base may comprise at least one anchor 48, releasably engaging the base 12 and a support surface underlying the base. In some embodiments, a plate 50, may be attached to the base 12.

The frame member 24 projects upward from the leading edge region 14 of the base when the sports target device 10 is in the use position. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the frame member 24 projects upward at an angle of 90° to the base 12. In certain embodiments, the angle can be slightly greater or less than 90°, if desired or required. The frame member 24 can be configured in a manner that permits the removable positioning of panel member 27 at an orientation essentially perpendicular to the ground or support surface in a manner that orients the lower or bottom end of panel member 27 a spaced distance from the underlying support surface. The frame member 24 can be configured with a fixed height or can be configured to include a suitable height adjustment means to permit the height of the panel member to be adjusted relative to the support surface so as to accommodate individuals of differing heights or targeting needs.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the frame member 24 can include two side members 32, 34. The side members 32, 34 can each have first ends 25, 25 that are removably connected to the base 12 as well as second ends 29, 29 opposed to the first ends 25, 25, Each side member 32, 34 has an intermediate body region 31, 31 interposed between the respect first end 25 and the respective second end 29. The frame member 24 also has an upper member 35 interposed between the respective side members 32, 34. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the upper member 35 is connected to the respective second ends 29, 29 of the side members 32, 34.

The side members 32, 34 can each define a hollow central chamber. Where desired or required, the side members 32, 34 can be configured as elongated hollow tubes. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the side members 32, 34 can be composed of any suitable material. One non-limiting example of suitable tubular material is polymeric tubing such as PVC pipe.

The frame member 24 also includes means for connecting the panel 27 to the frame member 24. In certain embodiments, the panel connection means can be configured to permit releasable or removable engagement of the panel 27 with the frame member 24. The connection means can also be configured to facilitate sound transmission from the panel 27 to the frame member 24 and/or the base 12. The connection means can include one or more connection devices associated with the frame member 24. The frame member 24 can have a connection mechanism attached to each of the two side members 32, 34. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the connection device includes at least two symmetrically oriented slides 28, 28, each slide 28 connected to an associated side member 32,34 by any suitable means. Non-limiting examples if such attachment mechanisms include adhesive bonding, mechanical bolts, screws and the like.

In the embodiment depicted, the sports target device 10 has a pair of elongated slides members 28,28 disposed in symmetrically opposed relationship to one another and are configured and disposed to slidingly receive the panel 27 therebetween. It is also considered to be within the purview of this disclosure that the connection means can include a plurality of devices disposed on the respective side members 32, 34, such as two or more individual elongate members that can be disposed on each of the respective side members 32, 34.

In the embodiment depicted in the FIG. 4 , the slide members can provide a frame-like configuration in which the various members can be configured as a first rail 38 and a second rail 40 with the first rail 38 attached to side member 32 and the second rail 40 attached to side member 34. In the embodiment depicted, the respective first and second rails 38, 40 constitute between 20 and 90% of the height of the side members 32, 34.

The rails 38, 40 each define a side rib 52 having an outwardly facing surface 54 and an inwardly facing surface 56. The rails 38, 40 also has a front rib 58, having a front facing outer surface 60 and a rear facing inner surface 62. In certain embodiments, the side rib 52 can have a thickness or width sufficient to permit positioning of suitable fasteners 51 which can extend though the body of the respective side rib 52 into engagement with the associated side member 32, 34. Where desired or required, the front rib 58 can have a thickness that is less than or equal to the thickness of side rib 52.

The respective rails 38, 40 are positioned on the side members 32, 34 in a manner that generally parallels the longitudinal axis of the respective side member 32, 34 in a manner that defines an open slot feature composed of the rear facing inner surface 62, the inwardly facing surface 56 and the associated surface of the respective side member. When in position, the respective front rib 58 is located a spaced distance from the associated side member 32, 34 sufficient to receive an associated region of the panel 27.

The respective side rails 38, 40 can each include a suitable stop mechanism to maintain the panel 27 in position relative to the frame member 24 when the sports target device 10 is in the use position. in the embodiment as depicted, the panel 27 can be slidingly inserted between respective rails 38, 40 by inserting the panel 27 into the respective slots defined by the rails 38, 40 and the side members 32, 34 of the frame member 24. Where desired or required, the frame 27 can be inserted into the slot at a slot opening at the upper region of the respective rails 38, 40. The suitable stop mechanism can be located in the lower region of the rails 38, 40. In the embodiment as illustrated, the stop mechanism can be configured as a lower cross member such as cross member 36. Cross member 36 can be an elongate member or rail that is connected to the lower ends of the respective rails 38, 40 and extends therebetween to define ledge that can releasably contact the lowermost edge of the panel 27. It is also within the purview of this disclosure to configure the respective rails 38, 40 with internal stop members (not shown) proximate to the lower region of the respective rails 38, 40 where desired or required.

The panel 27 can be composed of any suitable material capable of generating and transmitting sound when contacted by a suitable projectile. The panel can have a suitable geometric configuration, for example rectilinear or square. As seen in FIG. 6 , the panel 27 can include a central body 65 that includes a first edge 66 and a second edge 68 opposed to the first edge. The first edge 66 and the second edge 68 are configured to be slidably received in the respective rails 38, 40 attached to the first side member 32 and second side member 34. The panel 27 also includes a contact surface 70 and a rear surface (not shown) opposed to the contact surface. In certain embodiments, the contact surface 70 can be planar generally planar with a central contact region. Where desired, the rear surface also can be planar.

The panel 27 can be composed in whole or in part of a body made of a sound transmissive material such as fiberglass, metal, plastic or the like. In certain embodiments, the panel can be composed of a suitable metal. In certain embodiments, the panel can be solid, however it is within the purview of this disclosure to configure the panel 27 in a manner that contribute to the desired sound production. The panel 27 can have a suitable thickness to permit the desired projectile to make contact with the contact surface 70 with minimal to no deflection and to transmit sound vibrations through the panel 27 to the side edges 66, 68 and through the rails 38, 40 into the hallow region defined in the side members 32, 34.

Where desired or required, the hollow region defined in the side members 32, 34 can communicate with hallow regions defined in the base 12 and/or in the upper member 35 to alter and/or modulate the sound generated when a projectile is thrown at the sports target device 10. It is contemplated that a well-targeted projectile will produce a particular sound, while projectile that is thrown off-target will produce sounds of a different quality. By listening to the sound produced, the individual practicing pitching, throwing or the like can be entertained by the sound produced and can modify pitching or throwing attributes to better target the projectile or modify strength or the like. The noise produced when struck by a sports projectile indicating that the target has been struck. The noise produced when the sports targeting device 10 is struck by a suitable projectile such as a baseball or the like, reverberates against the rails and the frame member producing a loud noise of long duration. Such a noise would be appreciated by some athletes, particularly young ones, who will thereby be encouraged to keep practicing.

Where desired or required, the panel 27 can also include a suitable targeting indicia 72. The targeting indicia 72 can be permanently inscribed on the contact surface 70 or can be removably affixed thereto. The targeting indicia 72 can be located on the panel 27 at a location the facilitates sound transmission.

The sports targeting device 10 can also include other targeting devices or practice assistance aids. One non-limiting example of such a device is home plate member 90. The home plate member 90 can be attached to the base 12 either permanently or removably.

In certain embodiments, the sports targeting device 10 can have a projectile collection member such as basket 88. In the embodiment depicted, the basket 88. Basket 88 can be configured in a manner that permits removable attachment to the sports targeting device 10 and permits collection of projectiles after contact with the panel 27. In the embodiment as illustrated, the basket 88 can be configured to be attached to the cross member 36.

Where desired or required, the sports targeting device 10 include a suitable height adjustment mechanism configured to permit the height of the panel 27 to be adjusted relative to the to the base 12 in order to accommodate the height of the user. In the embodiment as disclosed, the height adjustment can include a telescoping member associated with the frame 24 as at the side members 32, 34. Alternately it is contemplated that the sports target device 10 can include a plurality of intermediate members 92 of differing lengths that can be interposed between the base and the side members 32, 34 to position the rails 28, 28 and associated panel 27.

Also disclosed is a kit 100. An embodiment of the kit 100 is illustrated in FIG. 6 and is composed of a base 12 as well as a frame member 24 as well as at least one panel 27. Where desired or required, the base and/or frame members can be configured as described previously. In the kit 100, the base 12, frame member 24 and at least one panel 27 can be positioned in flat overlying relationship as desired or required for storage or transport. The various components can be assembled when practice is desired.

In an alternate embodiment of kit 100, it is contemplated that that one or more of the component parts of the frame or base can be removably connectable with one anther so that the various component parts can be connected or disassembled as needed.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A sports target device having a use position, the sports target device comprising: a base; a frame connected to the base and projecting upward therefrom when the sports target device is in the use position; a panel member removably connected to the frame, the panel member has a first side edge and a second side edge opposed to the first side edge, the panel member having a target surface located between the first side edge and the second side edge; a slide mechanism connected to the frame, the slide mechanism configured to receive the panel member to contact the first side edge and the second side edge.
 2. The sports target device of claim 1 wherein the frame member has a first side member and a second side member opposed to the first side member in spaced relationship thereto and at least one cross member connected to and positioned between the first side member and the second side member and wherein the slide mechanism further comprises a first rail attached to a portion of the first side member and a second rail attached to the second side member.
 3. The sports target device of claim 3 wherein the panel member is releasably connected to the slide mechanism, the panel member composed of rigid material and wherein the target face is configured to facilitate rebound of a sports projectile propelled toward it when the panel member in in a use position.
 4. The sports device of claim 3 wherein the panel member is a solid planar member composed of a material selected from the group consisting of fiberglass, metal, or plastic.
 5. The sports target device of claim 3 wherein the slide mechanism comprises at least two rail members and a stop mechanism connected to the at least two members, wherein the rail members have a panel receiving opening proximate to the upper region of the frame member and the stop mechanism is positioned proximate to the base.
 6. The sports target device of claim 3 wherein the slide mechanism comprises a first rail member and an a second rail member, wherein the first rail and the second rail each have a side rib having an outwardly facing side and an inwardly facing side and a front rib, the front rib having a front facing side and a rear facing side, the panel member configured to be proximate to the inwardly facing side of the side rib, and the rear facing side of the front rib in the use position.
 7. The sports target device of claim 1 wherein the base comprises a first leg member, a second leg member opposed to the first leg member and a cross bar member connected to the first and second leg members, wherein at least a portion of the first and second leg members contacts a support surface when the sports target device is in the use position.
 8. The sports target device of claim 7 wherein the base further comprising at least one anchor, the anchor releasably engaging the base and a support surface underlying the base.
 9. The sports target device of claim 8 wherein the first side member and the second side member of the slide mechanism are connected in overlying contacting relationship with the respective first side member and second side member of the frame member and wherein the panel member contacts the slide mechanism such that sound vibrations initiated when the sport projectile contact an outwardly facing surface of the panel member is transmitted through the slide member into the hollow chamber defined in the respective first side member and second side member.
 10. The sports target device of claim 2 wherein the first side member, the second side member and the at least one cross member of the frame member are detachable relative to one another.
 11. The sports target device of claim 2 further comprising at least one height adjustment mechanism connected to the frame and at least one basket connected to the frame member.
 12. A sports target device comprising: a base, the base having a forward edge and a rearward edge; a frame member connected to the base proximate to the forward edge and projecting upward therefrom when the sports target device is in a use position, the frame member having a first side member, a second side member opposed to the first side member, and at least one cross member connected to the first side member and second side member, wherein at least one of the first side member or the second side member has a hollow interior chamber; a slide mechanism connected to the frame member, the slide mechanism comprising a first rail attached to at least a portion of the first side member and a second rail attached to at least a portion of the second side member and at least one stop member connected to at least one of the first side member or the second side member wherein the first rail is on overlying relationship with the first side member proximate to the hollow interior chamber of the first side member and the second rail is in overlying relationship with the second side member proximate to the hollow interior chamber of the second side member; and a rigid elongated planar panel member releasably connected to the slide mechanism in parallel relationship to the frame member, the panel member, the rigid panel member having an outwardly oriented face, the outwardly oriented face configured to facilitate rebound of a sports projectile propelled toward it when the sports target device is in a use position wherein the rigid panel member is in acoustic contact with the slide member and the frame member.
 13. The sports target device of claim 12 wherein the base comprises a first leg member, a second leg member opposed to the first leg member and a cross bar member connected to the first and second leg members, wherein at least a portion of the first and second leg members contacts a support surface when the sports target device is in the use position, the base further comprising at least one anchor, the anchor releasably engaging the base and a support surface underlying the base.
 14. The sports target device of claim 12 wherein the slide mechanism further comprises a stop mechanism connected to the first and second rails, the stop mechanism positioned proximate to the base.
 15. The sports target device of claim 12 wherein the base comprises a first leg member, a second leg member opposed to the first leg member and a cross bar member connected to the first and second leg members, wherein at least a portion of the first and second leg members contacts a support surface when the sports target device is in the use position, the base further comprising at least one anchor, the anchor releasably engaging the base and a support surface underlying the base.
 16. A sports target device kit comprising: a base member; a frame assembly, connectable with the base, the frame assembly having a cross member, a first side member connectable to the cross member and a second side member connectable to the cross member, wherein the first side member and the second side member are releasably connected to the base, and wherein each of the first side member and the second side member having a respective rail attached thereto; and an elongated planar panel, the elongated planar panel having a first side edge and a second side edge, the first and second side edges configured to be slidably received in the respective rails attached to the first and second side members, wherein the planar panel member is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of fiberglass, metal, or plastic.
 17. The kit of claim 16 wherein the first side member and the second side member are each elongated tubes each having a hollow central chamber.
 18. The kit of claim 17 wherein the base is composed of a first leg member, a second leg member and a cross bar member, wherein the first leg member and the second leg member are releasably connected to the cross bar.
 19. The kit of claim 18 wherein at least one of the first leg member, second leg member, ad cross bar member, define a hollow interior chamber in communicate with the hollow central chamber defined in the first side member and the second side member.
 20. The kit of claim 16, further comprising a basket, the basket releasably connectable to the frame member. 